Major Sixth Chord

The Major Sixth Chord is a major triad to which a major sixth is added above the root. The notes are: root, major third, perfect fifth, and major sixth. Its sound is bright, but with a nuance of nostalgia and a distinctive openness. It is often associated with traditional jazz (swing), country, and pop music of the 1950s and 1960s. It does not possess the tension of a major seventh chord, but it adds a 'sweet' and airy color. An interesting aspect is that a Major Sixth chord can have the same notes as a minor seventh chord of another root (e.g., a C6 has the same notes as an Am7 in first inversion), which adds to its versatility and harmonic flexibility, allowing it to function in different contexts.

Common Progressions

• I6 - IV - V (used as a stable tonic chord but with a slight enrichment and a distinctive color)
• I6 - vi - ii - V (the sixth adds a specific and recognizable color to the first degree in the pop/doo-wop progression)
• Often used at the end of jazz or swing songs for a soft, relaxed, and resolving close, with a touch of retro elegance.